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Dalung, Ogba, Pinnick want Eagles to go for Angola’s jugular

Nigeria’s Minister of
Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports,
Chief Obinna Ogba and NFF President Amaju Pinnick have pumped up the spirit of
the Super Eagles ahead of Sunday’s 2018 African Nations Championship clash with
Angola in Tangier.

Dalung, Ogba, and
Pinnick spoke during a visit to the camp of the Eagles. Nigeria finished top of
Group C and take on Group D runners-up Angola at the Stade Ibn Batouta in the
third quarter-final on Sunday evening.

Dalung said: “I want
to appreciate you for all that you have done so far. Nigerians are very happy
with you and now we have hope that the future of our football is bright.

“Our President is a
sports-loving President and he is following everything that is going on here. I
can tell you honestly that he is waiting eagerly to receive you after this
tournament must have ended and you have won the trophy. Always remember that
you are carrying the hopes and aspirations of 180 million, football –passionate
people. So be ready to fight for your country on the pitch and make your people
happy.

“Don’t be distracted.
Everything you need has been provided as the NFF president has said, so it is
now left to you to show that desire and hunger to succeed.”

In his opening
remarks, Pinnick said: “I want you guys to stand up and give the Honourable
Minister a round of applause. We had an event in Casablanca earlier today and
when we finished, I asked if he would want to speak to the team before
returning to Nigeria (on Friday). Without hesitation, he said yes.

So we had to travel by
road for over 4 hours to see you. That shows the heart of a leader and a
father.

“He has also ensured
that we have your monies (for bonuses, allowances) for this competition from the
first game to the Final game on February 4, so the ball is now in your court.
As a Federation, the NFF is very proud of you and what you have done so far. We
believe in you. We know you can make history and win this tournament for
Nigeria for the first time. Please stay focused, determined and disciplined.
Give your 100% and even more to make sure this trophy goes to Nigeria.”